The African-American Shakespeare Company will return for the 2nd year in a row to The Herbst Theater, with Cinderella. After being a holiday staple for the company for more than two decades, with a number of revisions, additions and updates, Executive Director Sherri Young says, “I wanted to take our show back to its original brilliance. Over the years we have had so many alterations and changes, that now it’s time to go back to the hearfelt storytelling that makes Cinderella so special—with the uniqueness that only the African-American Shakespeare Company can bring.” The 2017 production features Ricky Soto as Prince Charming, choreography by Jarrett Holley, and direction by Sherri Young. Cinderella: Paige Mayes Prince Charming: Rickey Soto Evil Stepmother: Alison Whismore Shaniqua (evil stepsister): Devin CunninghamZonia (evil stepsister): Jourdan Olivier-Verde The Duke: Gabe RossFairy Godmother: Kim Saunders Grandmother: Ginger SmylyMore information here: http://www.african-americanshakes.org/productions/cinderella/ Dates: December 24Times:Sunday, December 24 at 1pmLocation: The Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco Tickets: $25-$30 available at City Box Office

THE MARSH BERKELEY PRESENTS THE RETURN OF UNIQUE DERIQUE IN FOOL LA LA! OVER THE RAINBOW WITH NEW SURPRISES December 23WHAT, 2017 – January 7, 201This holiday season, The Marsh Berkeley celebrates the return of the Bay Area’s beloved Clown Prince of Fools, Unique Derique, in his zany holiday and New Year extravaganza Fool La La! Over the Rainbow. Featuring a sweet new bag of tricks and side-splitting physical comedy, this all-ages show will leave audiences laughing and dancing through the holidays and beyond. Fool La La! Over the Rainbow will perform at various times (see schedule below) fromto January 7, 2018 at The Marsh Berkeley, 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. For tickets ($15-$35 sliding scale, $55-$100 reserved), the public may visit www.themarsh.org or call 415-282-3055 (open 1pm-4pm, Monday through Friday)Sweet Can Productions presents The 8th Annual… Mittens & Mistletoe – A Winter Circus Cabaret Holiday Fun For Everyone!Written & Directed by Natasha Kaluza and Jamie CoventryDance Mission Theatre3316 24th St. (at Mission St. – 24th St. BART) in SF 94110Dec. 22 – 28, 2017 (No Performance Mon.12/25 (Xmas day)Limited Holiday Engagement – Only 8 Performances. http://www.sweetcanproductions.com/MnM.html CLOSES JANUARY 7

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THE HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL BASED ON THE ANIMATED CLASSIC “ALADDIN”From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of Aladdin, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite. Hailed by USA Today as “Pure Genie-Us,” ALADDIN features all your favorite songs from the film as well as new music written by Tony® and Academy Award® winner Alan Menken (Newsies) with lyrics penned by the legendary Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast), Tony Award winner Tim Rice (The Lion King, Aida), and book writer Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer).Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Something Rotten!), this “Fabulous” and “Extravagant” (The New York Times) new musical boasts an incomparable design team, with sets, costumes and lighting from Tony Award winners Bob Crowley (Mary Poppins), Gregg Barnes (Kinky Boots), and Natasha Katz (An American in Paris).SHN Orpheum Theatre 1192 Market St.San Francisco, CA 94102 to January 7, 2018Running Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 20-minute intermissionAge Recommendation: Disney on Broadway performances are recommended for a general audience. As an advisory to adults who might bring young people, Disney recommends its productions for ages 6 and up. No children under 5 allowed. TICKETS www.shnsf.com IT CLOSES JANUARY 7. 2018

THE SECRET GARDEN runs to December 24 Based on the classic English children’s novel, a beautiful and haunting story comes to life in this 1991 musical, featuring a Tony-winning score and book by an all-female creative team. In the late 19th century, 11-year-old Mary Lennox is orphaned in India and comes to Yorkshire to live with her reclusive uncle and invalid cousin. There she discovers a mysterious and seemingly enchanted garden, and all three come to know forgiveness, renewal and hope. The Secret Garden is a wonderful show for the whole family to enjoy at the holiday season! Added performance Saturday, December 23 at 1:00 pm! VENUE Gateway Theatre, 215 Jackson Street, San Francisco TICKETS http://42ndstmoon.org/ IT CLOSES TOMORROW

THE MARSH BERKELEY PRESENTS THE RETURN OF UNIQUE DERIQUE IN FOOL LA LA! OVER THE RAINBOW WITH NEW SURPRISES TO – January 7, 201This holiday season, The Marsh Berkeley celebrates the return of the Bay Area’s beloved Clown Prince of Fools, Unique Derique, in his zany holiday and New Year extravaganza Fool La La! Over the Rainbow. Featuring a sweet new bag of tricks and side-splitting physical comedy, this all-ages show will leave audiences laughing and dancing through the holidays and beyond. Fool La La! Over the Rainbow will perform at various times (see schedule below) to January 7, 2018 at The Marsh Berkeley, 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. For tickets ($15-$35 sliding scale, $55-$100 reserved), the public may visit www.themarsh.org or call 415-282-3055 (open 1pm-4pm, Monday through Friday)Sweet Can Productions presents The 8th Annual… Mittens & Mistletoe – A Winter Circus Cabaret Holiday Fun For Everyone!Written & Directed by Natasha Kaluza and Jamie CoventryDance Mission Theatre3316 24th St. (at Mission St. – 24th St. BART) in SF 94110Dec. 22 – 28, 2017 (No Performance Mon.12/25 (Xmas day)Limited Holiday Engagement – Only 8 Performances. http://www.sweetcanproductions.com/MnM.html CLOSES JANUARY 7

Ninjaz of Drama Present Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” December 14-30 at Phoenix Theatre in S.F. The Ninjaz stage a unique interpretation of Shakespeare’s comic tale where the bewitched lovers are in middle-age and the potions slipped to them may well be Wellbutrin and Viagra. The Ninjaz Of Drama’s presentation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream offers a unique spin on the famous Four Lovers and the “Rude Mechanicals” who stumble upon them in Shakespeare’s forest of the mind. Instead of the traditional four young, impetuous people, the two pairs of lovers will be shown as characters in middle age. As they enter the Faerie forest they are beset with passions not felt in years, thanks to the interference of faerie King Oberon and the mischievous Puck. In another twist, most of the low-life Mechanicals are played by Women. All the cast will be in modern dress.The Ninjaz’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs for nine performances TO, December -30 at the Phoenix Theatre, 414 Mason Street, Suite 601. In San Francisco 94102. The Phoenix Theatre is Located in the historic Theatre District next to Union Square and close to the Powell St BART Station and SF Muni.Ninjaz of Drama is a San Francisco performing group that brings both classical and original works of theatre to the smaller stage.WHEN: Dec -30, 2017. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays 8:00 pm; Sunday, Dec. 17 at 3:00 pmWHERE: Phoenix Theatre, 414 Mason Street, Suite 601, San Francisco 94102. HANDICAP ACCESS: Due to construction, there will be no ADA handicap access at 414 Mason St. for the run of this show. Also, and there will be no elevator service on December 30. RUNNING TIME: 2 hours with one intermission. TICKETS: $20-25. (415) 509-8656; https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3176776 IT CLOSES DECEMBER 30

HOLIDAY ‘LOCAL TRADITION’ AVENUE Q RETURNS TO NCTCFAVORITE FURRY MUSICAL CELEBRATES ITS 5TH ANNIVERSARY AT NCTC This December, New Conservatory Theatre Center delivers the ultimate holiday present with the 5th anniversary of its award-winning production of “Avenue Q. “Proclaimed “a local tradition” by San Francisco Travel, this “perennial hit … even when seeing it for the second, third, or whatever time” (Theatre Eddys) won over critics and audiences alike in its previous engagements in NCTC’s intimate Decker Theatre. Declares the San Francisco Examiner, “only the Grinch could prevent the laughter-filled show from selling out night after night.” Avenue Q runs December 1, 2017 – January 7, 2018 in NCTC’s Decker Theatre. Opening Night is Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 8pm. Tickets are $35 – $60 and are available at nctcsf.org or by calling (415) 861-8972.Due to popularity, NCTC has added Tuesday evening Avenue Q performances. Performances are Tuesdays – Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. Ring-in the New Year with Avenue Q, a special New Year’s Eve performance, will be presented Sunday, December 31, 2017, complete with complimentary champagne toast and festive early start time of 7:30pm. Tickets are $55-60 are available at nctcsf.org or by calling (415) 861-8972. NCTC’s 5th anniversary production is directed by Stephanie Temple, with musical direction by Ben Prince and orchestrations and arrangements by Stephen Oremus. The Purple Cast of Avenue Q will play Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances and features Audrey Baker (Kate Monster/Lucy), Chelsea Carruesco (Bad Idea Bear, Mrs T), Scott DiLorenzo (Brian), Maita Ponce (Christmas Eve), Nick Rodrigues (Princeton/Rod), Daniel Sherman (Nicky/Trekkie), Phaedra Tiller (Gary Coleman).The Orange Cast of Avenue Q will play Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday performances and stars Janelle LaSalle (Gary Coleman), Juliana Lustenader (Bad Idea Bear, Mrs T), Kamren Mahaney (Princeton/Rod), Brendon North (Nicky/Trekkie), Isabel To (Christmas Eve), Scott Taylor-Cole (Brian). The creative team of Avenue Q also includes Scenic Design by Kuo-Hao Lo, Costume Design by Wes Crain, Lighting Design by Maxx Kruzunski IT RUNS JANUARY 17

San Francisco Playhouse presents ‘”A CHRISTMAS STORY” : A perennial holiday family favorite entertainment, this beloved story is based on the popular film of the same name. Nominated for three Tony Awards in 2013, A Christmas Story is a classic and heartfelt holiday tale backed by a magnificent score.Nine-year-old Ralphie Parker wants nothing more for Christmas than an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. But first, he’ll have to navigate past a maniacal department store Santa, an infamous leg lamp, a triple-dog-dare to lick a frozen flagpole, and much more. SHOWS : November 22, 2017 through January 13, 2018Tues, Wed, Thurs 7pm / Fri, Sat 8pm / Sat 3pm, Sun 2pm Preview Performances: November 22 & 24 at 8pm, November 25 at 3pm and 8pm, November 26 at 2pm, November 28 at 7pmAdded Performances: Dec. 22 at 3pm, Dec. 27 at 2pm,No Performance Nov. 23 WHERE : 450 Post Street, San Francisco, 2nd Floor of the Kensington Park Hotel. TICKETS : For tickets ($20-$125) or more information, the public may contact the San Francisco Playhouse box office at 415-677-9596, or https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2017-2018-season/christmas-story-musical CLOSES JANUARY 13

TheatreWorks Silicon Valley breaks new ground in 2017 by adding a second holiday show to its season, The Santaland Diaries at the intimate 180-seat Lohman Theatre. Written by David Sedaris, this rollicking one-man cure for an overdose of holiday hype will have a limited three-week run in Los Altos Hills. Sedaris’ international career as a memoirist took off when he recounted his short tenure at Macy’s as Crumpet the Elf in an essay he first read on NPR’s Morning Edition in 1992. Adapted by Joe Mantello, this unique yuletide hit shares the experience of an ill-equipped elf forced to confront child meltdowns, overbearing parents, and complacent Santas. The Santaland Diaries will star Max Tachis as David/Crumpet the Elf and is directed by Jeffrey Lo.WHEN: 7Opening nights: 8pm Thursday, Dec. 7; 7:30pm & 10pm Friday, Dec. 8 )Closes: Saturday, December 23, 2017 SHOWS: Tuesdays: 8pm Wednesdays and Thursdays: 8pm Fridays: 7:30pm, 10pm Saturdays: 4pm, 8pm Sundays: 4pm WHERE: Lohman Theatre, 12345 S. El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills TICKETS: $20-$45; Pricing subject to change. INFO: For information or to order tickets visit theatreworks.org or call (650) 463-1960 IT CLOSES TONIGHT

TheatreWorks Silicon Valley celebrates the holiday season with a riotous escapade,” Around the World in 80 Days. “Taking place in an 1870s alive with danger, romance, and comic surprises, fearless adventurer Phileas Fogg and his faithful valet circle the globe in an unheard of 80 days. In the hilariously theatrical style of The 39 Steps, five actors portray dozens of characters in a thrilling race against time and treachery, recreating one of the greatest adventures of all time. Full of stampeding elephants, raging typhoons, and runaway trains, Around the World in 80 Days, adapted by the award-winning playwright Mark Brown, offers an imaginative and ingenious expedition for the whole family that will be directed by TheatreWorks Founding Artistic Director Robert Kelley. Closes: Sunday, December 31, 2017 WHERE: Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto TICKETS: $40-$100; savings available for educators, seniors, and patrons 35 and under. Single tickets are now available. Pricing subject to change. INFO: For information or to order tickets visit theatreworks.org or call (650) 463-1960 CLOSES DECEMBER 31

Theatre/Performing Arts “A Noh Christmas Carol” By Yuriko Doi *founder of Theatre of Yugen Directed by Nick Ishimaru *director of The Red Demon FEATURING Shannon Davis (Ebezo Sukurooji), Adrian Deane (The Christmas Ghosts), Mikah Kavita (The Women), Eric Rich (The Men), and Jacob Ritts (Mashima and stage hand) WHEN December 1 – 24, 2017 PERFORMANCES OPENING NIGHT PLUS RECEPTION: Friday, December 1, 2017, 7:00 PM Evenings Fridays and Saturdays 7:00pm Matinees Sundays June 11, 4:00pm WHERE Theatre of Yugen: 2840 Mariposa St, San Francisco CA 94110 ABOUT Ebezo Sukurooji is a miserly old man who only sees the world in terms of profits and losses. He receives a ghostly visit from his former business partner Jakube Mashima, warning him to change his ways or wander the world forever as a hungry ghost. Sukurooji is taken on a magical journey by the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet-to-Come to remind him of the value of life beyond money and figures. GA Tickets – $40 / VIP Tickets – $50 (includes drinks) Discounts for students with valid ID. Contact the Box Office for more details. Theatreofyugen.org | (415) 621-0507 | boxoffice@theatreofyugen.org CLOSES TOMORROW

.Shotgun Players presents “Black Rider: The Casting of the Magic Bullets,” directed by Mark Jackson, musical direction by David Möschler,original direction by Robert Wilson, music and lyrics by Tom Waits, text by William S. Burroughs, original musical arrangements by Greg Cohen and Tom Waits, dramaturgy by Wolfgang Wiens “Black Rider”, the musical theater masterpiece by Tom Waits, Robert Wilson, and William S. Burroughs, lures Bay Area audiences into a deal with the devil. Wilhelm, a lowly clerk, and Käthchen, the daughter of a well to do forester, wish to get married. But Wilhelm must first prove to Käthchen’s father that he has the brawny skills of a huntsman. What to do? Along comes Pegleg with an offer he cannot refuse. With music by Tom Waits this adaptation by William S. Burroughs will be a wild ride through a dark and magical forest. Director Mark Jackson comments: “Black Rider is a fairytale for adults about how fear and self-doubt can lead us to sell out our integrity for a shortcut to our hopes and dreams.” Black Rider begins previews on Thursday, November 9; opens on Friday, November 17; and runs through Sunday, December 31, 2017, at The Ashby Stage.The cast of Black Rider features El Beh, Noelle Viñas, Rotimi Agbabiaka*, Kevin Clarke*, Elizabeth Carter*, Grace Ng, Steven Hess, Carolyn Walter, Jacy Burroughs, Travis Kindred, and Joshua Pollock. The creative team features set design by Sean Riley, lighting design by Allen Willner, costume design by Christine Crook, stage management by Nikita Kadam*, props design by Devon LaBelle, sound design by Matt Stines, and production assistance by Heather Kelly-Laws.*Member of the Actors’ Equity Association WHEN it closes Sunday, December 31, 2017 WHERE: The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley IT CLOSED DECEMBER 31

Laughter from the Hip Friday, January 12 at 8pm Saturday, January 13 at 8pm

Mike Greensill, piano and vocals

Jazz musicians are known for their acerbic wit and twisted sense of humor. In “Laughter from the Hip” Mike will share anecdotes and stories from jazz musicians, ancient and modern, famous and not so famous, along with their signatures tunes. He’ll also be singing funny and cynical songs by the likes of Dave Frishberg, Tom Lehrer and Bob Dorough.January 19 & 20

Life is long and rich and full of dreams! Dreams of family. Of love. Of finding our place in the universe. Join these four talented performers as they explore what makes a life. Can what we dream of ever match what we get? Can it sometimes be even better? Come find out in a lively and heartwarming night of simply marvelous singing, great stories, and wonderful little moments.

With over 35 million views on Social Media, Sandy and Richard Riccardi are skewering the current presidential administration with laughter, one parody at a time. Their most popular contributions to national sanity include “Boy From Mar-A-Lago”, “Tiki Torch Nazis”, “Kiss My Rump, Donald Trump” and dozens more. New York Magazine calls them “Musical Genius”. Rosie O’Donnell calls them “MY NEW FAVORITE SINGING SONGWRITING TEAM”. Richard Riccardi has played for such greats as Joel Grey, Diahann Carroll, Martha Raye, Tom Jones, Wesla Whitfield and Mel Torme, as well as numerous Broadway tours. Sandy Riccardi spent 11 years on the NYC musical theater circuit, performing with the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players and Westchester Broadway Theater, to name a fe

Tickets available at Society Cabaret (No Fees, No Fuss) or by calling 415-857-1896.

Buy your tickets early for best prices and seats.

All seats assigned based on date of purchase.

Seasonal small plates and cocktails

available for purchase at your table. (No Minimums) (Doors open at 7pm) Enjoy the fine